Falls are one of the biggest risks to older people at home, and most are preventable. They are usually caused by simple, fixable hazards, not frailty alone, which is good news, because it means small changes make a real difference.
Here is a room-by-room check, the low-cost fixes that help most, and when to bring in a professional.
- A room-by-room hazard check
- The low-cost changes that help most
- When to get a free home assessment
Room by room
The stairs and the bathroom are where the most serious falls happen, so start there.
Stairs and hallways
- A secure handrail, ideally on both sides of the stairs
- Good lighting, with switches at the top and bottom
- No clutter, loose carpet or trailing cables on the steps
Bathroom
- Grab rails by the toilet and the bath or shower
- A non-slip mat in the bath or shower, and by the basin
- A raised toilet seat or shower stool if getting up is hard
Living room and bedroom
- Remove or tape down loose rugs, a very common trip hazard
- A clear, walkable path between chairs, bed and door
- A lamp and phone within reach of the bed, plus a night light
Kitchen
- Everyday items stored between waist and shoulder height, to avoid stretching or bending
- Spills wiped straight away, and a stable step stool if needed
The changes that help most
You do not need to spend much. The changes that prevent the most falls are usually the cheapest:
- Brighter bulbs and night lights on the route to the bathroom
- Grab rails and a non-slip bath mat
- Well-fitting slippers or shoes, not loose or backless ones
- A clear path through every room, with cables tucked away
Beyond the quick fixes
If falls are becoming frequent, look wider. An occupational therapist can assess the home for free through the council and recommend aids and adaptations. Ask the GP to review medication (some cause dizziness), check eyesight, and consider strength and balance exercises, which are proven to reduce falls. A pendant alarm means help can be called quickly if someone does go down.
After a fall
If someone has hurt their head, cannot get up, or is in severe pain, call 999. Otherwise, help them up slowly and safely only if they are not hurt, and tell the GP even about a minor fall, because it can flag a treatable cause and prevent the next one.
Sources
General guidance for England. Last reviewed: July 2026.
